Louis Fleischner: Early Jewish Pioneer Merchant and Community Leader of Portland, Oregon

Louis Fleischnerwas born, in 1827 in Vogelgesang, Bohemia, now Czechoslovakia

Louis Fleischner arrived in New York at 15 years of age.

Along the way

Louis Fleischner first went to Philadelphia where he was employed for five years by a dealer in horses and cattle.

In 1849, Louis Fleischnercame to Drakeville, Iowa and engaged in merchandising.

In 1852, he started across the Great Plains by ox team to Albany, Oregon.

He paused for a while in Northern Idaho at the Oro Fino mines where he was was successful in the mercantile business.

Portland, Oregon

In 1863, Louis Fleischnercame to Portland, Oregon, where he entered into partnership with Solomon Hirsch and Alexander Schlusseland owned the merchandise house of Haas Brothersunder the new firm name of L. Fleischner & Co.

The company eventually became Fleischner, Mayer & Co. when he entered into a new partnership with Jacob Mayer.

Civic

In 1870, at a time of great distrust for public office, Louis Fleischnerwas elected, by a large majority, for OregonState Treasurerbecause he was known for his fitness for the office.

He reorganized he entire state financial system.

He was referred to as Colonel Fleischner, although it is not clear how he acquired the title.

Community

In 1888, Louis Fleischnervisited his old home in Bohemia, (Czechoslovakia) and endowed four beds in a nearby hospital to be forever maintained for the people of Vogelgesang.

Louis Fleischner was president of the First Hebrew Benevolent Society of Portland.

He contributed to Congregation Beth Israel, donating enough to build their new sanctuary.

He also ensured permanent and abundant water supplies for the Jewish Cemetery.

Louis Fleischner died in 1896 and was buried in Beth Israel Cemetery.

” . . . a most excellent man, esteemed and respected . . . his own people . . . devoted to his faith.

“By no means narrow or exclusive, he was frequently seen with his Christian friends and was ever ready to aid in all commendable charities . . .”

–The Portland Oregonian

Information about Louis Fleischner can be found in the following issue of Western States Jewish History:

Fleischner, Louis; Louis Fleischner; Oregon Pioneer; Oregon; 22/4

Curator for this Louis Fleishner Exhibit is Gladys Sturman.

We need a photo of Louis Fleischner and perhaps his building in Portland.